By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
Lonnie Wilkey
Two things are certain in this world: death and taxes. And not even death is certain should Jesus choose to return to earth sooner than later.
We can add one more thing to that list that is certain for sure. You can’t please everybody.
We launched the new Baptist and Reflector website on Oct. 7 and we had mixed reactions.
Some readers wrote us and told us how much they loved the site and were looking forward to using it.
One reader wrote, “I hate it.” The reader didn’t give any specific reasons but mentioned he did want us to return to the virtual paper.
Several readers lamented the fact we no longer offer the virtual paper. Yes, it was “neat” and it was fun to flip the virtual pages. But to be honest, it was limited in what we could provide to our readers.
First, you could not search for articles on the virtual paper. Using the search feature on the website, you can search for articles using key words and names. For example, type in the words “baptism” or “evangelism” and numerous articles will be at your disposal.
Looking for help in church revitalization? Type in those words and everything we have written in the past year or even longer will be at your disposal.
You can search for columns that have appeared in the past year by simply typing the name of the writer.
You might remember that the paper included some articles on assisted suicide earlier this year but don’t remember when. It doesn’t matter. Type in the words “assisted suicide” in the search bar and whatever was written will be at your disposal.
We have loaded most of the stories that have been written this year on the website and many from last year as well. As time permits we will continue to add stories from years past. It will eventually prove to be an incredible resource for researchers in the future.
Many readers want to share articles with their friends and family members. You could not do that with the virtual paper. You can copy the link to any article on the website and e-mail it to anyone at anytime.
We realize the website is limited. Not every story is posted right away. They are spaced out over several days. We are exploring the feasibility of at least adding the pages of the paper in a downloadable pdf format. I’m not making any promises at this point, but we are exploring the possibility.
One of the primary complaints is that the TenneScene feature of the print issue is not on the website. Just remember, Rome was not built in a day and neither is a website. We have been working on the website for months and, to be honest, it will continually be updated. That’s one of the best features about the website. It can change often and needs to change often.
Plans are already underway to include the information found in TenneScene on the website. We hope to have that feature included sooner rather than later.
Mike Salva, a member of our TBC communications team, has played an integral role in getting our website to where it is now. He has done an amazing job in working with the firm that designed our site.
One of the prime benefits of the website came into play last week.
Immediately after the Oct. 7 issue was printed, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief teams were asked to respond to the flooding in South Carolina caused by Hurricane Joaquin.
In the “old days” Tennessee Baptists would not have the news about the need for volunteers and funding until the next issue on Oct. 21. Because of the website we were able to post the first story the day BEFORE the Oct. 7 issue was delivered to households across the state. In addition, we were able to update that story on at least two occasions as circumstances changed and teams were sent to different locations.
One reader wrote that they preferred the “hard copy.”
Speaking of the hard copy or the print edition, this week unveils additional design changes, featuring the work of designer Corinne Williams, a member of our TBC communications team. She has done an excellent job of matching the inside of the paper with the new masthead.
A lot of people prefer the print issue and we are committed to providing the print issue for the foreseeable future. When or if we go completely digital will depend on the faithfulness of our readers and churches to continue to purchase the print issue. The cost of printing and mailing papers continues to escalate.
For the first time in a number of years, we are raising the cost of subscriptions. Beginning in January, individual subscriptions will increase from $13 to $15 yearly. With 26 issues, that’s less than 50 cents a copy. We also are establishing a single church subscription rate of $10 per subscription. Churches who currently subscribe for their members will not be expected to reach the $10 rate in one year. It will be raised incrementally this year for churches that currently subscribe.
Check the prices of other newspapers and magazines and you will find we are truly a bargain at less than a $1 per copy in the church plan.
I implore churches that do not purchase print copies to consider sending at least 10 if not more to church leaders, including Sunday School teachers, deacons, trustees, and others. God is working in our Tennessee Baptist churches and we want as many people as possible to read His story.
Change is not easy but often is necessary. Please be patient as the website continues to develop. Give it a chance. When you see what it can offer, I think you will really like the features it provides.
Ultimately, the B&R doesn’t belong to me or our staff, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, or even you, our readers. It ultimately belongs to our Lord. May He receive the glory. As we near the end of our 180th year, continue to pray for us as we tell the story of Tennessee Baptists.
